Michael Gove urges more focus on education in prisons to stop reoffending

Prison governors could be given more flexibility under proposals being considered by Michael Gove to help reduce the risk of prisoners reoffending when they are released.

The plans could include giving governors new powers over budgets, education and perks offered to prisoners for good behaviour.

The Justice Secretary wants a bigger focus on education in prisons, as well as more businesses to work with prisoners.

He stressed that under the current system not enough time was being devoted to educating inmates and giving them the skills needed to succeed after they leave prison.

Gove said those running Britain’s prisons had yet to be given the same degree of independence as other parts of the public sector, such as education and the NHS.

The Justice Secretary is also considering a scheme where inmates would be allowed out of jail in preparation for their release, the Times newspaper reported.

Mr Gove said that responsilbility needed to be taken for prisoners.